Hades II Early Access Review: Supergiant Games' Epic Roguelike Adventure

Introduction to Hades II: A Sequel Worth the Hype

Supergiant Games has returned with their first-ever sequel, Hades II, a bewitching sequel that promises to captivate fans of the original Hades while inviting newcomers into its rogue-like dungeon crawler experience. Even in its Early Access, Hades II feels unbelievably feature packed with twice the content of its predecessor, delivering on its promise to build on the best aspects of the original game while introducing fresh mechanics, characters, and a richer narrative.

With a roadmap set to expand the game further throughout 2024 and into 2025, there’s never been a better time to dive back into the underworld of Greek myth and experience the magic of Hades II. Prepare for a journey of exploration, battle, and incantation as you help the immortal Princess of the Underworld face her destiny.

Meet Melinoë: The Daughter of Hades Takes Centre Stage

The spotlight shifts from Zagreus to Melinoë, the immortal sorceress and daughter of Hades. As the Princess of the Underworld, she embarks on a mission to vanquish the forces of Chronos, the Titan of Time, and protect both gods and mortals alike.

Melinoë’s Gameplay Evolution

Melinoë’s gameplay introduces significant changes that set her apart from Zagreus:

• Omega Attacks: These powerful abilities, fuelled by the Magick Bar, allow players to unleash devastating moves. This mechanic requires careful resource management, adding strategic depth to combat.
• Sprint Mechanics: While Zagreus relied on dashes, Melinoë incorporates a sprint mechanic that encourages tactical movement and positioning, especially during intense boss battles.

A Deeper Connection to Greek Mythology

Drawing from the darker corners of Greek mythology, Hades II explores themes of witchcraft, destiny, and familial bonds. The addition of Hecate, the goddess of magic and mentor to Melinoë, enriches the narrative, giving players a compelling guide through the challenges of Tartarus, Erebus, and beyond.

A Mythical World Expanded: From Tartarus to Mount Olympus

Supergiant Games has expanded the scope of their full game by introducing new biomes and gameplay systems. Players now have the choice to delve into the depths of Tartarus or ascend towards Mount Olympus, each path offering unique challenges and rewards.

Key Features

1. New Locations: With new regions like Erebus and Ephyra, every run feels fresh and unpredictable.
2. Upgrade Systems: Players can customise their builds with new options, from taming familiars to unlocking Arcana Cards.
3. Olympian Gods: Gods like Apollo, Hera, and Hecate introduce new boon combinations, making each playthrough uniquely tailored.

Hades II's Combat: A Tactical Masterpiece

The gameplay in Hades II refines the mechanics of the first game while introducing innovative features that elevate the experience. The major update to combat comes in the form of Omega Attacks, which transform the way players approach battles.

Tactical Flexibility

• Magick Bar: This new resource allows for charged Omega Attacks that can decimate foes.
• Build Diversity: Whether you favour ranged attacks or melee brawling, the expanded arsenal offers endless possibilities for experimentation.

The Art and Sound of the Underworld

One of Hades II’s greatest strengths is its presentation. Supergiant's signature hand-painted art style returns, now more vibrant and immersive than ever. From the shadowy depths of Tartarus to the glowing peaks of Mount Olympus, every environment feels alive.

A Haunting Soundtrack

Darren Korb, the composer behind Pyre, Transistor, and Bastion, delivers another masterpiece. The dynamic soundtrack evolves during battles, with standout moments like the Scylla boss fight featuring adaptive musical scores that heighten the intensity.

Early Access: What to Expect

As an early access game, Hades II is still a work in progress, but it’s already an impressive offering. Here’s what players can look forward to:

Strengths

• Far Enough Along: With a wealth of content already available, including fully-voiced characters and polished mechanics, Hades II feels ready to be played right out of the gate.
• Roadmap for Growth: Supergiant Games has outlined a roadmap for new enemies, updates, and features, ensuring the game will continue to evolve.

Limitations

• Still to Come: The absence of a full release ending and some placeholder art remind players that this is an ongoing project.

The Narrative Depth of Hades II

The story of Hades II stands out as one of its most compelling features. The game introduces a deeper mythic world, where the stakes are higher, and the relationships between characters are more complex.

A Cast of New and Returning Faces

• Characters Are Fully Realised: From the sassy shade Dora to the rebellious Nemesis, each character brings depth to the story.
• The House of Hades Lives On: While much of the action takes place outside the House, its influence is still felt, connecting players to the world of the original Hades.

Why Hades II Is a Must-Play

If you loved Hades 1 or are new to the series, Hades II offers an experience that feels both familiar and fresh. The roguelite formula is perfected here, combining action-packed combat, a rich narrative, and endless replayability.

Conclusion: A Sequel That Redefines Greatness

Hades II is not just a continuation of its predecessor but a bold leap forward. Mel is awesome, the gameplay is finely tuned, and the promise of new regions, weapons, and updates ensures that this journey will only get better. Whether you’re exploring the dawn of witchcraft, battling the Titan of Time, or bonding with the gods of Olympus, every moment feels crafted with love and care.

So, why wait? The gates of the Underworld are open—step into the shoes of the immortal Princess of the Underworld and join the battle against Chronos. The big update is coming, and this early access release is already one for the ages.